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Drug Trial Suspended After Death

Drug Trial Dangers

An Edinburgh clinic that conducts medical research on behalf of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies has suspended a drug trial following the death of a man taking part.

The US-run Charles River clinic halted its drug treatment study after 48-year-old participant Peter Munro was reported to have suffered a fatal heart attack.

The former security guard was taken to hospital with a a heart abnormality after arriving at the clinic for a repeat dose of the drug a week ago.

A spokeswoman US-based firm Charles River said: "We extend our deepest sympathy to the individual's family at this difficult time.

"As part of the clinical trial process, it is standard practice in cases like this to immediately investigate and suspend any study to ensure the safety, health and well-being of all study participants."

Mr Munro's sisters Jean and Yvonne told the Scottish Sun newspaper they are seeking legal advice over their brother's death.

They said he became involved in the trials after running up debt to catalogues and struggling to pay his rent.

Yvonne, 36, told the Sun: "He didn't think there were any real risks involved and he thought he might be helping people by trying out the drugs."